HNBR vs NBR
Polymer · grade comparison
HNBR and NBR are both polymer grades. HNBR is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for NBR, about 56% more. In exchange, NBR is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 300% for HNBR. HNBR is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa) and HNBR runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, NBR sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than HNBR (high, $$$$).
HNBRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
NBRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
HNBR vs NBR: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Tear Strength
Same in both: Hardness, Shore A 70 Shore A · Hardness, Shore D 22 Shore D · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 18%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Density 1.25 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.25 W/m·K0.14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁸ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁵ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 16 kV/mm406 V/mil · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁰ Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | HNBR | NBR |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Solid |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
HNBR vs NBR — frequently asked
Is HNBR stronger than NBR?
Yes. HNBR has a typical tensile strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for NBR — about 56% more.
Which is cheaper, HNBR or NBR?
NBR is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while HNBR is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose HNBR over NBR?
Pick HNBR when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick NBR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HNBR and NBR side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.